Every time you turn around in the health and fitness industry, you hear the term “superfood”. More often than not, it’s some new exotic grain or impossible-to-find vegetable that is supposed to be the equivalent to the fountain of youth. We all know how that story goes, the superfood of the moment gains popularity for a few weeks (or months) and then fades away when it’s discovered that it didn’t actually do all that much for the body anyway.
But, there are a few foods that truly fit the definition of what a superfood should be. They’re far simpler than one would expect, and are readily available at any standard grocery store. When someone says superfood, the food should be doing something extraordinary, and that’s what these do. The following foods do more than just provide the great nutrients; they are also packed full of phytochemicals, fiber, and antioxidants, which all have hugely important health benefits.
Blueberries
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Blueberries are thrown into all kinds of desserts and sweets these days, so people forget how amazing they are on their own. There has been research that suggests blueberries have the ability to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. They also have qualities that benefit specific segments of society. For women who are post menopausal, hypertension and high blood pressure are common afflictions. When consumed in specific quantities, blueberries have been found to help these women reduce their diastolic blood pressure. Athletes can also benefit from blueberries, as they help combat the oxidative stress that occurs due to exercise.
Yogurt
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Yogurt is often overlooked for it’s true value; people generally throw yogurt into their daily routine when dieting, but don’t really understand how beneficial yogurt really is. It’s full of calcium, potassium, and both vitamins A and B-12. Ingesting the correct amount of potassium (via yogurt) can contribute to a reduction of high blood pressure. Yogurt as a whole has also been found to help with weight loss and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Brassica Vegetables
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Brassica vegetables are not as fancy as the name suggests. Brassica is the latin name for the cruciferous vegetable family (aka green vegetables): broccoli, bok choy, brussels sprouts, kale, brussel sprouts, etc. The veggies in the brassica family are known for being very high in nutrients despite having a very low calorie count. They are helpful for anti-inflammation, healthy eyesight, and relieving the same oxidative stress mentioned earlier this article.
The article that inspired this blog was posted here by American Fitness, the official publication of The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
